Bernheim Barrel Proof Wheat Whiskey B923 Review

Nose

Sweet bread | Pastry crust | Apple cider | Cinnamon | Leather | Slightly astringent

Palate

Fireball candy | Brown sugar | Tannic oak | Leather | Slight creaminess | Astringency increases throughout

Finish

Astringency peaks | Burnt brown sugar | Oak tannins compete with sweetness | Savory | Very long

Overall

The second release in the Bernheim Original Barrel Proof Wheat Whiskey series, Batch B923 proves barrel proof wheat whiskey can be a tricky endeavor. In February 2023, the first batch of this whiskey joined Heaven Hill’s Elijah Craig Barrel Proof and Larceny Barrel Proof, with Batch B923 being their second release, and coming in just slightly higher in proof. The aroma is sweet and inviting, with notes of sweet bread, pastry crust, apple cider, cinnamon, and leather. The palate brings some heat with Fireball candy, with a slightly increasing astringency, plus brown sugar, tannic oak, and leather for complexity. There’s a nice creaminess to it, but it can be a bit harsh due to the astringency, which peaks as it transitions into the finish. Here, the astringency competes with a pleasing brown sugar note and it has an enjoyable savory flavor as it trails off.

Overall, Batch B923 is enjoyable, but it’s a bumpier ride as a result of the astringency. Barrel proof wheat whiskeys are relatively unexplored, so it’s exciting to have the option. Batch B923 provides a nice contrast to the first batch, and shows promise that future batches will far exceed the quality of this one.

Value

Heaven Hill has done a great job crafting this whiskey, so it’s a worth a try for the price.